Are you looking to remove rust from your skis? Whether you are hitting the slopes for the first time this year or you are looking for a last-ditch effort before the next big snowstorm, it is not a bad idea to give some thought as to how you can prevent rusting in the first place. After all, nobody likes to be stranded on the slopes with a broken ski, so it is best to prevent such situations from arising in the first place. One way of doing so is by taking good care of your skis and ensuring that they are not exposed to the elements. This article will advise you as to how you can keep your skis looking like new despite the fact that you are probably already dreading the thought of taking them out on the slopes this year. If you’re looking to remove rust from your skis, follow the below steps:
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Wash Them Frequently
It is best to clean your skis as soon as you get them out of the box. This will not only help remove any oil or dirt that may have built up while shipping but it will also keep the metal looking fresh. It is also advisable to wash your skis at least once every month in a gentle soap mixture. You should consult with the packaging material in order to determine how often you should be washing your skis, but it generally goes without saying that the more you wash them the better. The water in the snow will help keep the metal clean by preventing rust from forming. It is also advisable to clean the metal with a wire wheel in the same way you would if you were trying to remove rust from vehicle metal parts. The above step will help keep your skis looking like new and it is a good idea to follow it even if you do not have to. The worst thing you can do is to leave your skis unwashed and rust starts forming immediately.
Use Degreasing Products
You should be very careful when using any kind of oil when cleaning or lubricating your skis. The main reason for this is that oil can migrate to the surface of the metal and cause rust to form. It is also advisable to keep lubrication to a minimum and instead use a powder-based or silicone-based grease. The former is better for your joints while the latter is ideal for keeping your skis slippy-slidsy. It is also possible to purchase a product that is specifically designed for ski greases, which will make removing them after your ski session much easier. When using any kind of oil on your skis, it is advisable to be extra careful not to let any get on the surface of the metal. This especially applies if you are using petroleum-based oils as these can cause severe damage to the environment if they are not disposed of properly. The above step will help keep your skis looking like new and it is a good idea to follow it even if you do not have to. The worst thing you can do is to leave any oil on your skis and they start looking like an old metal junkie’s secret habit.
Do Not Overuse Metal Polish
Metal polish is a useful product when properly applied but it is not a replacement for good old soap and water when it comes to keeping your skis looking new. It is advisable to occasionally buff your skis with a dry cloth in order to make them look like they just came out of the box. The main reason for this is that excessive use of metal polish can strip the protective oxide layer that prevents rusting from forming in the first place. It is also advisable not to apply more than two or three layers of polish to your skis, otherwise, the protective layer can be greatly diminished. The above step will help keep your skis looking new and it is a good idea to follow it even if you do not have to. The worst thing you can do is to apply too many layers of metal polish and it starts looking like old, scratched up car metal. It also goes without saying that excessive use of polish can damage your fingernails, so take care not to use too much of it even if it means sacrificing a little bit of aesthetics for the sake of safety.
Let The Sun Shine On ‘Em
It is best to let the sun shine on your skis before storing them in the garage or on a rack. This will help prevent any rust from forming while also giving the metal a good clean. After all, the sun is the best at eliminating rust so it is best to let it shine on your skis before putting them away for the winter. The above step will help keep your skis looking new and it is a good idea to follow it even if you do not have to. The worst thing you can do is to store unwashed and rusty skis in the garage or on a rack in the winter, as this will greatly accelerate the pace at which rust forms. This is why it is advisable to let the sun shine on your skis before putting them away for the winter. It is also important to note that if you live in a very humid environment and you store your skis in the garage, they can start looking like they have been in a serious car accident. This is because the moisture in the air will promote the growth of rust on metal surfaces, no matter what shape they are in. In order to keep your skis looking like new, it is advisable to store them in the garage or on a rack with some ventilation. This will help reduce any condensation which can cause further rusting while also improving air quality.
Exercise Care When Skiing
It is best to take proper care of your body when skiing. This means that you should hydrate well and eat healthily, as dehydration and poor nutrition can cause severe damage to your health. It is also advisable to warm up before skiing as this will help prevent muscle damage and pain. When exercising, your body temperature will rise, causing sweating, which helps flush toxins from your system. This is why it is best to take care of your body when skiing as it will help maintain good health and make your experience much more pleasant. The above step will help keep your skis looking new and it is a good idea to follow it even if you do not have to. The worst thing you can do is to neglect your body’s need for hydration and nutrition and let it get damaged in the process of taking up winter sports. This is especially the case if you are already over 40 years old, as poor nutrition and dehydration will greatly diminish your strength and hinder your ability to enjoy the experience of skiing. It is also advisable to use sunblock and lip balm, as they can be very useful in preventing skin damage and dehydration. They can also make your experience much more pleasant, especially if you are skiing in chilly temperatures. Dehydration and poor nutrition will also make you more prone to infection, so be careful about what types of fluids you consume while skiing. Even plain old water can be dangerous if you are not hydrated properly. The above step will help keep your skis looking new and it is a good idea to follow it even if you do not have to. The worst thing you can do is to let your body get damaged while trying to enjoy yourself, so make sure to take care of it as best as possible before, during and after your skiing session.
Keeping your skis looking new is not as hard as you might think. It is mainly a matter of taking some time out of your schedule to clean them regularly and let the elements do the rest. This is not a difficult task and it is definitely a lot easier than trying to battle serious rust damage after a few days on the slopes. When following these steps, you can be sure that your skis will be kept looking like new and it is also a good idea to follow them even if you do not have to. Doing so can prevent a lot of heartache and physical stress in the future. It is also possible to purchase a rust inhibitor spray which can be applied ahead of hitting the slopes in order to prevent any rusting during that session. Be sure to keep an eye out for any signs of rust while skiing as it can be very difficult to detect once it has formed. Fortunately, this can usually be prevented with a good washing and drying routine, as well as using some common sense. If you or a fellow skier become stranded due to a broken ski, it is better to set up a repair station on the spot as soon as possible. This will greatly reduce any suffering that might otherwise come from a frozen hip or a twisted ankle. It is also advisable to pack extra clothes in your ski bag in case you end up freezing during the night. In this way, you will not only be able to enjoy the beautiful scenery but you will also be able to keep warm and clean, as well as prevent any embarrassing accidents.